NH1 News

Manchester teen will not be allowed to take his 22-year-old girlfriend to prom

Written by NH1 News on May 10, 2016 5:44 am.

MANCHESTER — City school board members on Monday night denied a Central High senior’s request for permission to bring his 22-year-old girlfriend to the high school prom later this week, despite pleas from his mom to let him have his “special day.”

The Union-Leader reported school officials denied requests by Sultan Akhter, 18, to bring his girlfriend, Kaitlyn Orzechowski, to the school prom on May 13. Officials say she’s over the age limit for prom dates, but district officials admitted late last week there was no written age policy in place. The school board voted 9-3 against a motion to allow Orzechowski to attend the prom.

Sultan’s mother, Roxanne Akhter, pleaded her case to members of the school board during the public comment portion of Monday night’s meeting.

“I don’t understand why this is such a big issue,” said Roxanne Akhter. “I called numerous people and heard nothing. I found out the rule isn’t even on the books. I don’t understand.”

Central seniors who are 21 or younger are allowed to attend the prom. School Board Vice Chair Art Beaudry said the school board is looking at adopting a policy addressing ages for prom dates.

Akhter is a member of the Central High School tennis team and participates in the DECA marketing club. Orzechowski is a senior who is graduating from St. Anselm College this month.

The two met at the Kmart where they work, and have dated for about eight months.